Lyndey will share her secrets to creating a thriving regional food, wine and hospitality destination and authentic local food culture at a day of tasting, networking and ideas sharing.

“Lyndey is a familiar face on television and in print, has been instrumental in changing the way Australians think about food and wine for over 30 years. We’re very excited that she will be our headline speaker at the very first FoodCon event,” said Stephen Saunders from Coffs Harbour City Council. “She also founded the prestigious Sydney Royal Fine Food Awards to celebrate regional food producers and their hero products. The Coffs Coast’s own Bakarindi’s Finger Lime Pickle and Blushing Blueberries’ Drizzle Dessert Sauce both recently took out medals at the Awards for their fine food offerings. Both businesses will be part of the Producers Showcase at FoodCon 2017.”

Lyndey says that with food travel experiences being the fastest growing tourism activity across the world, it was important for local chefs, restaurants and hospitality businesses to understand the economic benefits and how to capitalise on this trend.

“I’m excited to be able to share my experience from more than 25 years of working with producers, chefs, providores and other businesses from around the world to help the Coffs Coast capitalise on its potential,” she said. “The Coffs Coast is in a unique position of being one of the few food destinations able to offer a complete paddock and sea to plate food experience.

“I’m looking forward to connecting with everyone at the event and tasting the delicious flavours of the Mid-North Coast region.”

Mr Saunders said that the Coffs Coast deserves to be celebrated not just for its beautiful clean ocean and beaches, sub-tropical rainforests and expansive hinterland and highlands, but also as a unique foodie destination. “We hope that FoodCon 2017 will be the first steps in this evolution,” he added.

FoodCon 2017 is the product of input from local food producers and businesses from the newly-formed Coffs Coast Food Collective and feedback from previous Food Forum events. The program has been created to reach across the food industry, from farmers through to chefs.

The event will be held on Monday, November 13, 2017, at the Coffs Harbour Showground from 9am to 4.30pm. It includes a full day of expert talks and networking activities, delicious local food and beverages, plus the Producers Showcase, with more than 20 producers highlighting the diversity and excellence of our region.

For tickets or information about participating in the Producer Showcase, visit the website www.foodcon.com.au or call Coffs Harbour City Council on 02 6648 4834.